Body found ID'd as Michael Doherty

FRANKLIN - Officials announced Monday that they had positively identified the body found in town this weekend as that of a missing college student.

Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey said there were no signs of foul play in the death of Michael Doherty, the subject of a week-long search after his disappearance following a Phyllis Lane house party.

According to Morrissey, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner had determined the body was Doherty's. Though there is no final report yet on the matter, the office reportedly found no signs of trauma or foul play. Officials are still seeking the cause of Doherty's death.

"Our first thought is with Michael's family and friends," Morrissey said in a statement. "To them we extend our sincere condolences. I would be remiss if I did not thank the Franklin Police; regional and state law enforcement; and so many in the community for their days and days of sustained searching in difficult terrain. The result was not what we had hoped."

David Traub, a spokesman for Morrissey, said it would likely weeks, if not months, until the medical examiner's report is completed. He said the examiner is typically able to make a final determination on causes of death, though he added that there are times when no conclusion can be made.

Traub said the examiner's reports are not public record, but said the district attorney's office does sometimes disclose the cause and manner of death.

Franklin Police Deputy Chief James Mill said the department is working to ensure its people recover after an intensive and long search.

"Chief (Thomas) Lynch is very cognizant of the fact that our personnel put their heart and soul into the search," he said. "I think every person (involved) left a piece of themselves out there."

Mill said the department holds critical stress debriefings - in which counselors are brought in - following such difficult efforts, and also has an employee assistance program available.

"I think it's important that police and firefighters have a good support system, outside of the people they work with," he said.

On Sunday afternoon, Franklin High School opened up to give its students an opportunity to talk about the search or meet with its counselors. Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said the decision to do so was based on district practices for challenging times. She said, though not many attended the session, it was important to be available to those who wished to do so.

"We did have several individuals come by, and they seemed to appreciate the opportunity to talk, reflect and process this unimaginable grief," she said.

Sabolinski noted that the Horace Mann Middle School and Kennedy Elementary School had messaged its families, including links to online resources about such incidents.

Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.